Bard's Arcana

The Bard's Arcana: The Tarot of Shakespeare is a full 78-card tarot deck that merges the traditional structure of tarot with the rich literary world of William Shakespeare. Each card is designed to evoke a specific character, scene, or theme from Shakespeare's extensive canon, offering a fresh lens through which to explore universal archetypes. The deck aims to connect the timeless wisdom of tarot with the profound human insights found in Shakespearean drama.

Developed by Greg Taubman, a dramaturg and co-founder at FORGE, and illustrated by Eunice Choi, the deck provides a unique reading experience. It is designed to be accessible to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and tarot practitioners, with a guidebook that presumably bridges the gap between the two systems. The campaign successfully raised over $65,000 from more than 600 backers, indicating strong interest in this literary-themed approach to tarot.

The deck includes a guidebook and offers additional resources such as digital card images, art prints, and a tutorial video demonstrating four original spreads: Comedy, Tragedy, History, and Sonnet. This suggests a comprehensive system designed to deepen the user's engagement with both the tarot and Shakespearean narratives.

The artwork, primarily by illustrator Eunice Choi, features a detailed, illustrative style with a rich, muted color palette dominated by deep blues, olive greens, and warm golds. The lines are clean and precise, giving the illustrations a refined, almost classical feel, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts or stained glass. The card borders are intricately designed, further enhancing the deck's elegant aesthetic. Figures, such as the Magician (Prospero) on the visible card, are rendered with expressive faces and flowing hair, set against dynamic backgrounds that incorporate elements like swirling waves and starry skies. The overall visual impression is one of thoughtful craftsmanship and artistic depth, blending historical aesthetics with clear, modern illustration.

This deck is ideal for Shakespeare enthusiasts, literature lovers, and theater practitioners who appreciate a thematic approach to tarot. It also appeals to experienced tarot readers seeking a deck with a strong narrative framework and a sophisticated aesthetic. Beginners with an interest in Shakespeare may find it an engaging entry point, especially with the included guidebook and original spreads designed to enhance the reading experience.

Greg Taubman, co-founder and partner at FORGE, specializes in helping stories find their form and storytellers hone their craft. His background as a director and dramaturg, with work at The Public Theater, Classic Stage Company, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival, directly informs the narrative depth of Bard's Arcana. This deck is a collaboration with illustrator Eunice Choi, combining Taubman's expertise in dramatic storytelling with Choi's artistic vision to create a unique tarot experience.